Salmond: rising tourism, investment and employment down to halo effect of indyref

Rising tourism, investment and employment in Scotland is down to the "halo effect" of the independence referendum, according to First Minister Alex Salmond.

He said the recent 20% rise in tourism, 8% increase in inward investment and today's record surge in employment is largely due to Scotland's increased international profile as a result of the referendum, the Year of Homecoming, the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games.

He contrasted this with the "lies and scaremongering" of Chancellor George Osborne and the No campaign.

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Speaking at Oil & Gas UK's inaugural annual conference in Aberdeen, he dismissed recent industry warnings about the risks of independence as the concerns of "one or two individuals".

The eve of the independence referendum on September 18 marks the 50th anniversary of the first exploration licence granted in the North Sea.

Mr Salmond called for the "next half century" of oil to be characterised by a better relationship between the industry and an independent Scottish Government.

He also confirmed his intention to stand again for First Minister in 2016 "under any constitutional circumstances", defying opposition demands that he should stand down immediately if there is a No vote.

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Mr Salmond said: "This week we have had reports showing a surge of inward investment in Scotland, second only to London in these islands.

"We have had a 20% increase in tourism to Scotland this year, and the job market figures in terms of the demand for labour and of course the employment figures this morning, which show the strength of Scotland.

"Much of that has happened because Scotland has been in the news.

"The tourism figures, the inward investment figures, Scotland has a higher profile because of the independence referendum, the Year of Homecoming, the Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

"We are seeing a surge in investment - we are seeing the halo effect.

"What is interesting, of course, is the doomsayers, the No campaign, George Osborne, told us the referendum would be a problem.

"Now we have an absolute demonstration through this accumulation of economic statistics this week that the reverse is true - that Scotland is encountering a halo effect.

"The increased profile of Scotland is leading to increased economic activity.

"I think Scotland, when looking at the absolute repudiation of the Chancellor's scaremongering, will look at anything that he has got to say about the future and consider how wrong he has been about investment in Scotland."

Concerns about independence have been raised by a string of Scottish businesses in recent months, including Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, Standard Life, Royal Bank of Scotland, Alliance Trust and Aggreko.

The heads of major oil companies Shell and BP have also stated they would like to see Scotland remain in the UK.

Addressing these concerns today, Mr Salmond said: "The vast bulk of companies weren't saying that. Of course you had one or two individuals saying it.

"But, look, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You don't need a crystal ball, you can read the books.

"Osborne said inward investment would be put off and now we have record inward investment.

"The experience of the oil industry is interesting too because we have had record investment in the oil industry in recent years - so this sector is living proof of the lies and scaremongering of George Osborne.

"People should read the facts, look at the statistics, read the reports that are coming out and see the halo effect of Scotland being top of the news."

He added: "Let's have a different half century in terms of the relationship between government and industry than we have had in the last half century.

"It's 50 years since the first exploration licences were released in the North Sea in 1964. This industry will last for another 50 years, if not more, and therefore to maximise the benefits for the industry and the people, let's have a different style of co-operation.

"Sir Ian Wood's review gives the template for that but it must be taken forward. The UK Government says Aberdeen is the front runner for the new regulator. It says it's in pole position when it should be in sole position."

Confirming his intention to stand again in 2016, Mr Salmond said: "Under any constitutional circumstances there will be an election in 2016 - it is my full intention to stand.

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"I believe that it will be an election for an independent Scotland in the spring of 2016 and then it's up to the people of Scotland.

"I'll be available and the people of Scotland can make their choice."

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